Best Player So Far for Each NL West Team
This article will be breaking down the best player for each NL West team so far in the 2021 season. Some of these are expected, while some of these might have been surprising. So far in 2021, we have seen many bright stars in the NL West.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Ketel Marte
While the D-Backs have been struggling, their best player Ketel Marte has continued to play at a star level while on the field. Marte has missed some time due to injury but when he has player he has been stellar for Arizona. Marte is slashing .375/.414/.613/1.026 in 22 games. He has 4 HR, 14 RBIs, 30 hits, 14 runs, and 6 BB. While he does not have much playing time this year due to injury, I feel like he has been the best player for the D-Backs while on the field. With the D-Backs struggles Marte is a prime candidate
Colorado Rockies: Ryan McMahon
A potential future face of the Rockies. Ryan McMahon has stepped up on a struggling Rockies team to give fans a sliver of hope for the future. McMahon is a power bat that has shined so far in 2021. Everyone expected Trevor Story to be the best player for the Rockies in 2021, unfortunately Story has gotten off to a slow start.
McMahon leads the team in home runs, SLG, OPS, RBIs, runs, and is tied for first in doubles. With Story likely leaving soon and Blackmon aging, it would not surprise me if McMahon became a future star and face of the Rockies.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Trevor Bauer
Trevor Bauer has gotten comfortable with his new team. After signing a big contract during free agency Trevor Bauer has immediately made an impact with his new team. He currently leads the Dodgers in ERA, SO, WHIP, BAA, IP, CG, and tied for first in games started. Trevor Bauer has brought his A game to Los Angeles. Bauer is one of the more exciting players in the game, and he has done exactly what he is being paid top do, which is pitch at an elite level.
Trevor Bauer is outpitching fellow star teammates such as Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler. Bauer is making a run at back to back Cy Youngs. A few guys in front of him need to cool down a bit, but if Bauer keeps pitching like this I would not be surprised for him to be right there in the mix.
San Diego Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr.
Arguably the most exciting player in the MLB is Padres superstar shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. Now while he hasn’t hit two grand slams in one inning like Fernando Tatis Sr. he has been having an exceptional season nonetheless. Tatis Jr. is an early candidate for the NL MVP award. He won NL player of the month for May. He leads the team in HR, RBIs, and SB. Tatis Jr. has missed time due to injury so he does not qualify for certain stats.
But his AVG, OBP, SLG, and OPS all are higher than the qualifying players on the Padres. It is safe to say he would lead those stats if he qualified. He is an electric player who will be the face of the Padres and potentially the entire MLB for years to come.
San Francisco Giants: Kevin Gausman
Choosing between Buster Posey and Kevin Gausman for the title of best Giant so far this year was difficult. I decided to go with Gausman because I feel what he has done is more impressive. However, it is worth recognizing Buster Posey’s excellent 2021 season as well. Gausman when leaving the game has never exited when the Giants are behind. Every time he comes out of a game, the Giants are either winning or the game is tied.
Kevin Gausman currently leads the Giants in ERA, SO, WHIP, BAA, and IP. Gausman like a few of these guys on this list are potential award winners. Gausman is in the running for the NL Cy Young award.
